Elle Decor: Mod Meets Tradition

Hickory chair is a favorite because of their classic, well-made pieces and it’s exciting to discover their young talent to keep their look fresh! Enjoy this article in Elle Decor debuting the mix.

Mod Meets Tradition

The Hable sisters’ witty prints translate to stylish furnishings

Written by Mireille Hyde

Katharine and Susan Hable launched Hable Construction, their Brooklyn-based textile company, in 1999, and the sisters quickly became known for their retro sensibility and vibrant color schemes. They began by selling a line of playful accessories, including throw pillows, wall hangings, and storage bins. So it may have seemed like a leap—albeit an inspired one—when they approached Hickory Chair, a traditional furniture company in North Carolina, about a potential collaboration. “It was exciting, because we were looking for a way to incorporate a more contemporary voice,” says Hickory creative director Ron Fiore. The two teams set out to develop Hickory’s first fabric collection. “We were excited to be doing something completely new,” says Susan.

The sisters adapted their patterns to Hickory’s existing palette of champagne, gray, teal, and other understated hues. The result is a union of surprising motifs and classic silhouettes. Because the Hables’ designs are entirely hand painted—not digitally manipulated to create a clean repeat—they initially posed a challenge in the translation to upholstery. “Our lines aren’t straight, and there’s no perfect match-up,” Susan explains. “But the loosened-up look and the imperfections make it more artful. I like that you can still see my hand.”

The success of the partnership may be due in part to the Hables’ comfort working with traditional furniture— they’ve revived many a flea-market find for their store by reupholstering it with their own textiles. Several of Susan’s inspirations are historic; she cites endpapers from Victorian books, geranium leaves, and the tiled floor of an old Italian hotel.

“Hickory is like the navy-blue blazer of the furniture world,” says Fiore. “You can accessorize it with anything and it will work. That’s what the Hables have done for us. The pieces are fun and cool, and they’re like nothing you see anywhere else.”